Ball sports training system

ABSTRACT

A ball sports training system has a processor(s) and a memory storing program instructions that, when executed by the processor(s), causes the one or more processors to: cause a ball passing system to move between a first position and a second position different from the first position; (b) determine when the ball passing system is in the second position; and (c) responsive to the determining, cause the ball collection station to release the at least one of the first plurality of sports balls, whereby the at least one of the first plurality of sports balls is moved on a delivery travel path. The second position is selected to position the second receiving portion in the delivery travel path of the at least one of the first plurality of sports balls, whereby the second receiving portion is configured to receive the at least one of the first plurality of sports balls.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/970,399, filed Feb. 5, 2020, and entitled “Ball Sports TrainingSystem,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference for all proper purposes.

FIELD

This invention is related to sports training equipment Specifically, butnot intended to limit the invention, embodiments of the invention arerelated to basketball training systems and methods.

BACKGROUND

A number of ball sports training devices exist. However, new andinnovative features are desired.

SUMMARY

An exemplary ball sports training system has a ball collection stationhaving a first receiving portion shaped to receive a first plurality ofsports balls and a delivery portion. The system has a ball passingsystem having a second receiving portion shaped to receive at least oneof the first plurality of sports balls from the ball collection stationand a passing portion shaped and configured to selectively pass the atleast one of the first plurality of sports balls. The system has one ormore processors, one or more sensors, a user interface, and a memory.The memory stores program instructions that, when executed by the one ormore processors, causes the one or more processors to: (a) cause theball passing system is to move between a first position and a secondposition different from the first position; (b) determine when the ballpassing system is in the second position; and (c) responsive to thedetermining, cause the ball collection station to release the at leastone of the first plurality of sports balls, whereby the at least one ofthe first plurality of sports balls is moved on a delivery travel path.The second position is selected to position the second receiving portionin the delivery travel path of the at least one of the first pluralityof sports balls, whereby the second receiving portion is configured toreceive the at least one of the first plurality of sports balls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION ON THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of an exemplary ball sports trainingsystem;

FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the system;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the system;

FIG. 4 is a first side view of the system;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the system with some aspects intransparent lines;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the system with some aspects in transparentlines;

FIG. 7 is a schematic of an exemplary system; and

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an exemplary method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1-6 , shown is a ball sports training device100. The training device may have a ball collection station 102 and aball passing system 104.

The ball collection station 102 may have a first receiving portion 106shaped to receive a first plurality of sports balls 108 and a deliveryportion 110. In some embodiments, the ball collection station 102 isconfigured to electro-mechanically release one or more balls in responseto a mechanical operation on the ball collection station 102 by a user.In some embodiments, a lever 130 may be moved manually to release one ormore balls in the ball collection station 102. In some embodiments, thelever 130 may be electro-mechanically operated, such as a solenoidoperation in response to a processor as described in other paragraphsherein. In some embodiments, a UHF-based long-distance RFIDcommunication means may be provided to enable instructions to the lever130. In some embodiments, an optical sensor may be provided to enableinstructions to the lever 130.

As seen most clearly in FIG. 2 , the ball collection station 102 mayhave a base system 134 and a netting system 136. The base system 134 mayhave at least one roller 138, whereby the base system134 istransportable. For example, the base system 134 may be movable between astorage location and a training location, such as under or near abasketball net. The netting system 136 may be shaped and configured toreceive balls, such as balls shot at or near the basketball net. Thenetting system 136 may be collapsible, whereby an envelope size of theball collection station 102 is reducible for storage. For example, oneor more supports 140 or rods may support a net 142. The supports 140 maybe movable relative to the base system 134 to collapse the net 142 forstoring. In some embodiments, the netting system 136 may be removablefrom the base system 134, such as for storage or transportation. In someembodiments, the overall height of the ball collection station 102 maybe adjustable using means known to those skilled in the art, including,but not limited to, hydraulic manual or automated controls, ratcheting,or spring action systems.

In some embodiments, the ball passing system 104 may include componentsand/or concepts described in co-owned PCT Publication WO 2020/023442 A1,published on Jan. 30, 2020 and entitled “Ball Sport Training Device,”the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference forall proper purposes. The ball passing system 104 may have a secondreceiving portion 112 shaped to receive at least one 114 of the firstplurality of sports balls 108 from the ball collection station 102 and apassing portion 116 shaped and configured to selectively pass the atleast one 114 of the first plurality of sports balls. In someembodiments, the ball passing system 104 has a third receiving portion132 different from the second receiving portion 112. The third receivingportion 132 may be configured to receive a sports ball different fromthe plurality of sports balls. For example, the third receiving portion132 may be shaped and positioned to allow a user to manually feed one ormore balls to the ball passing system independent of the ball collectionstation 102.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the ball sports training device 100 may also haveone or more processors 118, 120, one or more sensors or transceivers122, 124, and a user interface 126, 128.

Turning now to FIG. 7 a block diagram of features of the sports trainingdevice 100 of FIG. 1 are described in more detail. As shown, a system700 may include a ball collection station 102, 702 and a ball passingsystem 104, 704.

The ball collection station 702 may have a processor 732, a memory 734,a transceiver 736, a controls system 738, a user interface 740, a sensor742, and a delivering mechanism 744.

The ball passing system 704 may have a processor 712, a memory 714, atransceiver 716, a controls system 718, a user interface 720, a sensor722, a propulsion mechanism 724, a passing mechanism 726, a motor 728,and a navigation mechanism 730.

Collectively or individually, the memory 734, 714 may store programinstructions that, when executed by the one or more processors 732, 712,causes the one or more processors 732, 712 to cause the ball passingsystem 704 is to move between a first position and a second positiondifferent from the first position. For example, the processor 712 maycause the ball passing system 704 to move from a first position on abasketball court to a second position on a basketball court. In someembodiments, the second position may be a docking position relative tothe ball collection station 102. The docking position may besubstantially as illustrated in FIG. 1 , wherein the ball passing system704, 104 is adjacent or proximal to the ball collection station 702,102.

The processor 712 may determine when the ball passing system 704 is inthe second position. The processor 712 may determine when the ballpassing system 704 is in the second position in response to informationshared directly between the ball collection station 702 and the ballpassing system 704, such as by way of a communication means 758 betweentransceivers 736, 716. The processor 712, 732 may determine when theball passing system 704 is in the second position in response toinformation shared indirectly. For example, a communication means 748,752 across a network 708 including information from a GPS system 710,746 may provide data enabling the processor(s) 712, 732 to determinewhen the ball passing system 704 is in the second position. Thecommunication means 748, 758, 752 may include wireless communicationmeans such as WiFi communication. The network 708 may be a wirelessnetwork.

In some embodiments, responsive to the determining, the processor(s)712, 732 may cause the ball collection station702 to release the atleast one of the first plurality of sports balls, whereby the at leastone of the first plurality of sports balls is moved on a delivery travelpath. In some embodiments, responsive to the determining, theprocessor(s) 712, 732 may communicate with a user, such as a player,having a device 706 with an application and communication means 754, 756for controlling the ball collection system 702 and/or ball passingsystem 704. For example, the ball collection system 702 may await a “go”signal from the device 706 to release the at least one ball into thedelivery path. In some embodiments, the communication means 754, 756 mayinclude a wireless communication means. The wireless communication meansmay include infrared (IR) communication, radio communication,peer-to-peer communication, Bluetooth communication, optical sensing,and/or radio frequency identification (RFID.) In some embodiments, theIR communication may include an infrared sensor on one of the ballpassing system 104 or the ball collection station 102 and an infraredsignal on the other one of the ball passing system 104 or the ballcollection station 102, whereby the system 100 may establish thelocation of the ball passing system 104 relative to the ball collectionstation 102. Other direct or peer-to-peer communication means 754, 756are contemplated.

In some embodiments, the second position is selected to position thesecond receiving portion 112 (see FIG. 1 ) in the delivery travel pathof the at least one 114 of the first plurality of sports balls, wherebythe second receiving portion 112 is configured to receive the at leastone of the first plurality of sports balls.

In some embodiments, the ball passing system 104 is configured to holdbetween zero and a maximum number of sports balls. The maximum numbermay be four. The maximum number may be five. The maximum number may beeight. The maximum number may be ten. The maximum number may be greaterthan ten.

In some embodiments, the memory 714 stores program instructions that,when executed by the one or more processors 712, causes the one or moreprocessors 712 to determine when the ball passing system is holding themaximum number of sports balls, determine when the ball passing systemis holding zero sports balls, and/or determine when the ball passingsystem is holding greater than zero and less than the maximum number ofsports balls. Responsive to determining the ball passing system isholding zero sports balls, the one or more processors 712 may beconfigured to cause the ball passing system 704 to move to the secondposition. Here, the ball passing system 704 may communicate directly orindirectly with the ball collection station 702. For example, the ballpassing system 704 may “request” that the ball collection station 702release a plurality of balls, or the user may be required to “request”that the ball collection station 702 release a plurality of balls. Theprocessor or processor(s) 712, 732, may be configured to determine whenthe ball collection station 702 itself is empty. For example, sensorsmay be provided in either device 702, 704 that detect motion or changesin weight, which would be indicative of balls passing from the ballcollection station 702 to the ball passing system 704, and, where nochange is detected, a determination that the ball collection station 702is empty may be made.

In some embodiments, the memory 714, 734 stores program instructionsthat, when executed by the one or more processors 712, 732, causes theone or more processors 712, 732 to cause the ball passing system 704,104 to move between the first position and a third position differentfrom the first position and the second position. That is, the ballpassing system 704, 104 may be operated to move, such as by way ofpropulsion mechanism 724 to two different locations on a basketballcourt.

One or more sensors 722, 742 may include one or more camera systems orLiDAR systems to detect a location of the ball passing system 704 and/orthe ball collection station 702 relative to each other. A GPS system 710may be used to determine locations of the devices 702, 704. Transceivers716, 736 may enable the ball passing system 704 and/or the ballcollection station 702 to communicate with each other for determiningrelative locations and suitability for passing balls, such as to a user,and/or delivering balls from the ball collection station to the ballpassing system. The GPS system 710 may be in wireless communication withother components of the system such as via WiFi communication. In someembodiments, the sensors 722, 742 may include one or more camerasystems. The sensors 722, 742 may detect and support navigation of theball passing system 704 and/or the ball collection station 702 relativeto each other.

In some embodiments, the memory 714, 734 stores program instructionsthat, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the one ormore processors 712, 732 to cause the second position to be adjustedbased at least in part on a determination that a location of the ballcollection station 702, 102 has been adjusted.

In some embodiments, the memory 714, 734 stores program instructionsthat, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the one ormore processors 712, 732 to, responsive to an input from a userinterface 720, cause the ball passing system 704 to pass one or moresports balls positioned in the ball passing system 704. The userinterface 720 may include or be responsive to a hand-held device 706having a sports training app for controlling the ball passing system 704and or ball collection station 702.

In some embodiments, the memory 714, 734 stores program instructionsthat, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the one ormore processors 712, 732 to, responsive to an input from the one or moresensors 722, 742, determine a location of the ball passing system 704relative to the ball collection station 702.

In some embodiments, the memory 714, 734 stores program instructionsthat, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the one ormore processors 712, 732 to adjust a passing direction of a ball passingthrough the ball passing mechanism 726, which may be referenced hereinas a ball passing portion 116. For example, a controller may cause aguide on the mechanism 116 to move between a position that is parallelto the ground, -30 degrees, and +30 degrees, to simulate direct passes,bounce passes, and overhead passes. In some embodiments, the ballpassing portion 116 may be mechanized. In some embodiments, the ballpassing portion 116 may be adjusted and/or fixed manually.

In some embodiments, the memory 714, 734 stores program instructionsthat, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the one ormore processors 712, 732 to adjust a launch speed of a ball passingthrough the ball passing mechanism 726 or ball passing portion 116. Thelaunch speed may be set in response to a user input or may beautomatically adjusted, fixed, or randomly selected.

In some embodiments, the memory 714, 734 stores program instructionsthat, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the one ormore processors 712, 732 to adjust a vertical of a ball passing throughthe ball passing mechanism 726 or ball passing portion 116. The verticalmay be set in response to a user input or may be automatically adjusted,fixed, or randomly selected.

In some embodiments, the memory 714, 734 stores program instructionsthat, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the one ormore processors 712, 732 to analyze data collected from one or moresensors sensors 722, 742, such as a camera or the camera previouslydescribed herein and, responsive to the analyzing perform a skeletalmapping of a player or user. In response to the skeletal mapping, themethod may include tracking and/or analyzing shooting performance. Thetracking or analyzing may include calculating a speed and/or directionof travel of a player.

Turning now to FIG. 8 , an exemplary method 800 is now described. Themethod 800 may include detecting 802 a start signal, such as from a userexecuting an operation on a user interface on a ball passing system, aball collection station, or an app controlling the device or station.The method 800 may include detecting 804 a location of a ball passingsystem. The method 800 may include detecting 806 a location of a ballcollection system. The method 800 may include determining 808 if theball passing system is in a suitable start position relative to the ballcollection station. If no, the method 800 may include causing the ballpassing system to move 810 to the suitable start position. If yes, themethod 800 may include determining 812 if balls are in the ball passingsystem. If no, the method 800 may include moving 818 the ball passingsystem to a reload position and reloading 820 balls. The method mayinclude determining 822 if the ball passing system is holding themaximum number of balls. If no, the method 800 may include anotherreload 820 of balls. If yes, the method 800 may include moving 816 theball passing system to a new location. If balls are determined 812 to bein the ball passing system, the method 800 may include passing 814 asingle ball and moving 814 the ball passing system to a new location.The method 800 may continue until a stop signal is received from theuser, such as by operation on a user interface or hand-held deviceapplication, or until it is determined that the reloading 820 is notreloading as intended. Other safety and stop procedures may be included.

In some embodiments, the method 800 may be executed by the device 100and/or system 700 disclosed herein.

Each of the various elements disclosed herein may be achieved in avariety of manners. This disclosure should be understood to encompasseach such variation, be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatusembodiment, a method or process embodiment, or even merely a variationof any element of these. Particularly, it should be understood that thewords for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms ormethod terms—even if only the function or result is the same. Suchequivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered tobe encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such termscan be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broadcoverage to which this invention is entitled.

As but one example, it should be understood that all action may beexpressed as a means for taking that action or as an element whichcauses that action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should beunderstood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physicalelement facilitates. Regarding this last aspect, the disclosure of a“fastener” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of“fastening” —whether explicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, werethere only disclosure of the act of “fastening”, such a disclosureshould be understood to encompass disclosure of a “fastening mechanism”.Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitlyincluded in the description.

Moreover, the claims shall be construed such that a claim that recites“at least one of A, B, or C” shall read on a device that requires “A”only. The claim shall also read on a device that requires “B” only. Theclaim shall also read on a device that requires “C” only.

Similarly, the claim shall also read on a device that requires “A+B”.The claim shall also read on a device that requires “A+B+C”, and soforth.

The claims shall also be construed such that any relational language(e.g. perpendicular, straight, parallel, flat, etc.) is understood toinclude the recitation “within a reasonable manufacturing tolerance atthe time the device is manufactured or at the time of the invention,whichever manufacturing tolerance is greater”.

Those skilled in the art can readily recognize that numerous variationsand substitutions may be made in the invention, its use and itsconfiguration to achieve substantially the same results as achieved bythe embodiments described herein.

Accordingly, there is no intention to limit the invention to thedisclosed exemplary forms. Many variations, modifications andalternative constructions fall within the scope and spirit of theinvention as expressed in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A ball sports training system, comprising: a ballcollection station having a first receiving portion shaped to receive afirst plurality of sports balls and a delivery portion; a ball passingsystem having a second receiving portion shaped to receive at least oneof the first plurality of sports balls from the ball collection stationand a passing portion shaped and configured to selectively pass the atleast one of the first plurality of sports balls; one or moreprocessors; one or more sensors; a user interface; and a memory, thememory storing program instructions that, when executed by the one ormore processors, causes the one or more processors to: cause the ballpassing system is to move between a first position and a second positiondifferent from the first position; determine when the ball passingsystem is in the second position; and responsive to the determining,cause the ball collection station to release the at least one of thefirst plurality of sports balls, whereby the at least one of the firstplurality of sports balls is moved on a delivery travel path, whereinthe second position is selected to position the second receiving portionin the delivery travel path of the at least one of the first pluralityof sports balls, whereby the second receiving portion is configured toreceive the at least one of the first plurality of sports balls.
 2. Theball sports training system of claim 1, wherein: the ball passing systemcomprises a third receiving portion different from the second receivingportion, the third receiving portion configured to receive a sports balldifferent from the plurality of sports balls.
 3. The ball sportstraining system of claim 1, wherein: the ball passing system isconfigured to hold between zero and a maximum number of sports balls;and the memory stores program instructions that, when executed by theone or more processors, causes the one or more processors to: determinewhen the ball passing system is holding the maximum number of sportsballs; determine when the ball passing system is holding zero sportsballs; determine when the ball passing system is holding greater thanzero and less than the maximum number of sports balls; and responsive todetermining the ball passing system is holding zero sports balls, causethe ball passing system to move to the second position.
 4. The ballsports training system of claim 1, wherein: the first plurality ofsports balls comprises up to ten sports balls.
 5. The ball sportstraining system of claim 1, wherein: the ball collection stationcomprises a base system and a netting system, the base system having atleast one roller, whereby the base system is transportable, the nettingsystem shaped and configured to receive balls, the netting systemcollapsible, whereby an envelope size of the ball collection station isreducible for storage.
 6. The ball sports training system of claim 1,wherein: the memory stores program instructions that, when executed bythe one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to: causethe ball passing system is to move between the first position and athird position different from the first position and the secondposition.
 7. The ball sports training system of claim 1, wherein: thememory stores program instructions that, when executed by the one ormore processors, causes the one or more processors to: cause the ballpassing system is to move between the first position and a thirdposition different from the first position and the second position. 8.The ball sports training system of claim 1, wherein: the memory storesprogram instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors,causes the one or more processors to: cause the second position to beadjusted based at least in part on a determination that a location ofthe ball collection station has been adjusted.
 9. The ball sportstraining system of claim 1, wherein: the memory stores programinstructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, causesthe one or more processors to: responsive to an input from the userinterface, cause the ball passing system to pass one or more sportsballs positioned in the ball passing system.
 10. The ball sportstraining system of claim 1, wherein: the memory stores programinstructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, causesthe one or more processors to: responsive to an input from the one ormore sensors, determine a location of the ball passing system relativeto the ball collection station.